SAN FRANCISCO: The Indian Consulate, San Francisco organized the first International Yoga Day 2015 event on Sunday June 21 in Marina Green Park, Marina Boulevard, San Francisco from 9.30 AM – 2.30 PM. Organized on a large scale it was a huge and grand success. Over 3000 people from San Francisco and surrounding areas of the California state participated in the event.
India’s Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was the Chief Guest at the event organized in association with the Art of Living Foundation and other like minded organizations including Isha Foundation, Bramha Kumaris, Yoga Ascent of North America (YANA), Ashtanga, Overseas Volunteers for better India (OVBI), Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangh (HSS), Yoga Bharathi, Iyengar Yoga etc.
The event started with a prayer and it was followed by several sessions by above mentioned Yoga associations. The video message given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of International Yoga Day, 2015 was also played. In his message PM Modi stated that India feels proud of the fact that the United Nations has taken forward this mission of Yoga to the world and it was co-sponsored by 177 countries. India’s invaluable heritage has become the world’s invaluable heritage today.
Stating that each country in the present day world is feeling isolated today, he added that this situation is not in the collective interest. Highlighting the positive aspects of Yoga, he stated that it would lead to a stress free human mind, through which it would ultimately lead to the stress free society. He heartily felicitated the world community for supporting the International Yoga Day.
In his address to the audience, Chief Guest Arun Jaitley described Yoga as an art and science that stabilizes the human mind, controls human emotions and brings the human body back in tandem in a state of fitness. Stating that it is now a codified science and the world today adopts it as an established practice, he added “I must say that we are delighted that coming from a civilization where it started, it carries the message of peace, humanity, well being of the human being and the human mind world across”.
The participants enthusiastically participated in the event and did the ‘Yogasanas’ with much discipline and commitment. Significantly, a large number of local and native Americans also participated in the event. Several other dignitaries including Consul General, Consulate of India, San Francisco, Ashok Venkatesan; CEOs of several Tech Companies; a Council Member from the Bay Area; prominent photographer Benoy Behl etc also participated in the event.
All the Yoga organizations who participated in the event have spread the message of the benefits of practicing yoga through their sessions. Further, hundreds of people were found learning many things from the booths established by these associations at the event.
The event was also sponsored by several corporate companies including Tech Mahindra, Satyam, Infosys, CKGS, Incredible India, Emirates Airlines, Bank of India, New Delhi Restaurant, Mama Chea, San Francisco Recreational Park etc.
In addition, a number of yoga events were also organized by several associations in surrounding areas, with the support of the Indian Consulate, including in San Jose, Sacramento, Fresno, etc.
There were proclamations by City of San Hose, Mayor of City of Cupertino and from California State Senator Bob Wieckowski recognizing June 21, 2015 as International Yoga Day.
India Post News Service
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
